Cape Town’s dramatic natural splendor attracts visitors from around the globe. It’s not unusual for those who have experienced this impressive city to describe it as one of their favorite places. From the stunning landscapes where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Twelve Apostles mountain range to the famous Table Mountain, to the world-renowned shopping and sophisticated dining and so much more, this cultural melting pot of a city appeals to a large range of travelers. And there’s no better place from which to enjoy all that Cape Town has to offer, than the exclusive Ellerman House Hotel.
This quintessential urban retreat, complete with 11 rooms, two suites, and two gorgeous villas, is an original Cape Edwardian-style mansion that has evolved throughout the years into the luxurious address it is today. Perched on a hillside in the upscale residential area of Bantry Bay, this Relais & Chateaux property is framed by sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain as a backdrop. Truly breathtaking! What’s more, it’s easily accessible, located only 10 minutes from local attractions, like the V&A Waterfront and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, and an hour by car to the famous Wineland regions of Stellenbosch and Franschoek. Ellerman House is unbelievably intimate in that it is not open to the public, so the attentive staff caters exclusively to its guests in true South African hospitality.
Private Residence or Boutique Hotel?
Ellerman House looks more like a private residence than a hotel. Sitting on an acre-and-a-half of meticulously landscaped oceanfront property, this amazing South Africa hotel encompasses a large terrace, in-house restaurant, and multiple lounges from which to take in the views. Not to mention that it’s home to two of the most unbelievably luxurious villas in the region, Villa One and Villa Two. Traveling with my family, I had the great privilege of staying at Villa One, since children under 14 are only welcomed at Villa One and not on the main hotel property. With over 7,000 sq. ft. of contemporary beach-style glamour, this spacious villa has everything a family could possibly need and more! To this day, my 4-year-old fondly refers to it as “the huge house where we stayed in Cape Town.
The villa offers complete privacy and can accommodate up to 10 guests as either a 3-bedroom villa spanning two floors, or with the addition of 2 bedrooms on the lower floor, it becomes a 5-bedroom villa over three floors, and an elevator to make the transition more comfortable. Each bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom with Chrlotte Rys toiletries, large soaking tubs, and a proper dressing area.
Every room but one has floor to ceiling glass windows and sliding glass doors that lead out to an oceanfront balcony for the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living.
Guests will enjoy a large dining and living area, as well as a comfortable TV lounge for family movie nights and a study. The villa also boasts a private pool and a ladies’ library with a single bed, that makes for a great spare bedroom for families traveling with a nanny. Not only is Villa One expansive and extremely accommodating, it is also stocked to the brim with goodies—snacks, pastries, and beverages (everything except fine wines) are on hand at all times. And yet what truly makes the overall Villa One experience unlike any other is the staff.
Breakfast is included at Villa One.
Better Than Home
I would like to say that you will feel right at home at Ellerman House, but to be honest, in many ways Villa One is better than home! Prepare to be pampered like never before with a dedicated villa staff that includes a personal chef, housekeeper and butler. Although breakfast is the only meal included in a Villa One stay, the chef can easily customize any meal to accommodate all palates, and believe me, no ask is too big. She prepares the most delectable dishes in the comfort of your villa. Meanwhile, the housekeeper discreetly maintains the villa in pristine condition, handles guests’ laundry needs (which is complimentary), and provides turndown service with slippers at the bedside and a chocolate on your nightstand. Last, but absolutely not least is the amazing butler that handles and coordinates absolutely anything else that you may need during their stay. From opening up the villa and serving guests their morning coffee, to made-to-order cocktails and canapes at sunset, to watching the children while the adults enjoy a wine tasting in the cellar and closing up the villa at night when everyone goes off to bed—the butler does it all with a warm, infectious smile.
A stay at Villa One also allows its guests a myriad of other inclusions, such as complimentary airport transfers and access to the well-equipped Ellerman House gym. A tour of the state-of-the-art wine gallery and cellar is highly recommended. With 7500+ bottles of wines and brandies that are fully representative of the diverse wineries in South Africa, daily wine tastings and the brandy tastings upon request are not to be missed! Next on the list of musts at Ellerman House is the art. Even your least art-enthusiastic clients will marvel at the unparalleled collection of South African art that can be found throughout the property and in the gallery. Pieces have been meticulously collected and curated over the years to tell the diverse and complex story of the country’s history. Make sure to take a tour with one of the in-house art guides to make the most of the experience.
A Stay That Keeps on Giving
Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it gets even better! Not only is Ellerman House one of the most exclusive and luxurious addresses in Cape Town, South Africa, but the Harris family that owns this gem of a property recognizes their good fortune and has chosen to pay it forward. In 2012, they set up the Click Foundation in an effort to assist with the education crisis that exists throughout large portions of the country. Their primary goal is to implement online English literacy programs for underprivileged children across South Africa. Therefore, a stay at the Ellerman House goes far beyond that of a chic vacation, it’s a contribution to a cause that is changing lives.
For more information about this South Africa property, visit ellerman.co.za.
To read about our visit to Victoria Falls, click here.
